Well as expected, this year has got off
to a flying start already - time is becoming a precious commodity! The Cape Argus Cycle Tour (the largest timed cycling event in the world) is just around the corner. SAA has partnered with Pick'n Pay, helping our customers to transport their bicycles in a safe and convenient manner-- Click here for more information.

On the subject of time, why not utilise our online check-in servicesaving you tons of time at the airport. Online check-in allows one to proceed directly to the departure terminal."What about my baggage?" you ask. We've taken care of that too by providing a special baggage drop-off facility exclusively for our online
check-in users.

Until next time, here's to making each day count!

Destination Spotlight of the Month - South Africa

South Africa has been billed as 'a world in one country', and any visitor who has experienced its delights, from the jumble of Johannesburg, the city built on gold mines in the north, to the sophistication of Cape Town in the south, is bound to agree.

The Republic, at the southern tip of Africa surrounded by ocean on three sides, offers a taste of the African experience with the chance to visit traditional tribal villages, game reserves and sprawling townships. At the same time it also offers all the pleasures of a first

world holiday experience, with luxury hotels, sophisticated shopping, exciting theme parks and clean beaches. Have breakfast in a New York style deli; lunch in an African shebeen; cocktails on a sunset cruise; and dine in style in a fine British colonial restaurant.

*Above fares are on a one way basis, inclusive of all taxes and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
Terms and conditions apply. For fares from other cities please visit www.flysaa.com

... and navigate to 'Plan Your Trip' >> Specials.

Online tools designed with you in mind...

We’ve designed a range of tools, giving you complete control over your online booking.Tools amongst others include:

Retrieve and pay: Sometimes you just need to book right away! With this facility, you can pay for your booking up to 48 hours after your initial reservation

Change your booking: Tired of being on hold? Make the changes yourself online!

Book your car / accommodation online: We really are a one-stop shop.

Purchase travel insurance: Time well spent.

Request a VISA: We don’t like standing in queue’s either.

Add seat or meal requests: Everybody has their favourite.

You can also receive instant alerts on your mobile on m.flysaa.com

To utilise the above tools and more, visit www.flysaa.com and navigate to 'Before You Fly' >>
Manage Reservations.

Partner of the month

PERSONAL BAGGAGE INSURANCE ONLY THROUGH EUROPCAR

Europcar is the first car rental company in South Africa to offer its customers Personal Baggage Insurance (PBI). It is an optional insurance that can be purchased for a nominal daily fee when making a reservation or at the time of vehicle pick-up for SAA customers.

Underwritten by Regent Insurance, the PBI covers the renter and all passengers for any loss or theft from the rental vehicle like luggage, electronics, sports equipment etc. This latest innovation is in line with international trends, where customers are opting for this inexpensive ‘peace of mind’.

When you're getting ready to ride the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour, the last thing you need to worry about is getting your bike there.

That's why we're offering you a drop-'n-go bike service on departure from OR Tambo and Durban International Airports. Drop off your bike at the entrance, enjoy peace of mind knowing your bike is in safe hands and collect it at Cape Town International Airport.

Reservations

Remember to inform the reservations agent or your travel agent that your bicycle will be accompanying you at the time of reservation. Our Reservations Department can be contacted on 086 160 6606.

Payment options

Your bicycle will be transported at a handling fee of R250.00 including VAT per sector to and from Cape Town. Handling fees are payable at any Pick 'n Pay store of your choice. Payment is applicable to all Argus participants travelling on SAA flights.

The applicable bicycle charge will be valid for transportation from:

06 - 13 March 2010 to Cape Town
14 - 22 March 2010 from Cape Town

When making payment please remember to advise the cashier on the amount of bicycles and sectors you will be paying for.

Passengers are advised to remember that when paying the handling fee at Pick n Pay, a voucher will be generated; this will serve as proof of payment. This voucher must be presented when handing the bicycle/s to SAA for transportation.

For international passengers, the handling fee payment may be made on departure and passengers will receive an MCO, this will serve as proof of payment. The MCO must be presented when handing the bicycle/s to SAA for transportation.

Please note that this fee is non-refundable.

Packing of bicycles

Please ensure that your bicycles are securely packed. South African Airways will not take liability for damages of bicycles if they are not securely packed.

Kindly ensure that the box or bag is clearly marked with your contact details.

Handlebars should be turned parallel with the frame, pedals removed or turned inward, tyres deflated and the seat must be put down. All electronic equipment must be removed and transported separately.

All Carbon Dioxide cylinders used to inflate bicycle tyres will be treated as Dangerous Goods and must be shipped as Cargo. Please note that the carriage of bicycle tyres in the overhead compartment of the aircraft will not be allowed as the tyres do not meet the minimum size requirements which may cause damage to both the aircraft and the bicycle equipment.

The opening of bicycle boxes / bags may be conducted as a security measure.

Departing - OR Tambo International airport

Cyclists departing from Johannesburg must hand their bicycles in at the specially designated area at the Domestic Arrivals Terminal B Kerbside. (06h00 - 20h00)

No assurance can be given that your bicycle will be carried on the same flight on which you are travelling.

It is advisable for cyclists to hand their bicycles in from 06 - 13 March 2010. Bicycles will only be accepted on presentation of a passenger air ticket or the e-ticket printout and proof of payment.

Ensure that you obtain a baggage claim tag (Limited Release Tag) at time of presenting your bicycle to South African Airways. Kindly note that South African Airways accepts limited liability in accordance with its General Conditions of Carriage for Passengers and Baggage.

Departing - Durban International airport

Cyclists departing from Durban must hand their bicycles in from 06 - 13 March 2010 at the Technical Hangar.

06h00 - 20h00 Weekdays

06h00 - 18h00 Weekends

Bicycles will only be accepted on presentation of a passenger air ticket or the e-ticket printout and proof of payment.

Arrival - Cape Town International airport

Bicycles will be delivered to a specially designated area. Please be patient when waiting for the delivery of your bicycle - it may take a while to offload the container containing your bicycle. If your bicycle has been forwarded on an earlier flight, it must be collected from the designated area. (Please follow the directional signage).

Bicycles will only be delivered against a baggage claim tag (Limited Release Tag). On collection of the bicycle the baggage claim tag must be presented together with your ID or Passport. No collection can be made without the baggage claim tag and for security measures the bicycle will not be released without proof of valid identification. Should a third party collect the bicycle on behalf of yourself, the person collecting the bicycle should be in possession of a copy of your ID or Passport as well as his / her own ID / Passport, a letter of authority from yourself and the baggage claim tag.

Bicycles can be collected between the hours of 08h00 and 23h00.

Departing - Cape Town International airport

Cyclists departing from Cape Town must hand their bicycles in at the specially designated area between 06h00 and 20h00.

Bicycles will only be accepted on presentation of a passenger air ticket or the e-ticket printout and proof of payment.

Where cyclists and bicycles arrive in Cape Town over a period of a few days, experience has shown that most cyclists tend to return on the Sunday/Monday after the Tour. The result is that the capacity for all bicycles is not always available. Your bicycle may therefore only arrive at your destination after you.

Arrival - OR Tambo International airport

Cyclists must collect their bicycles from the specially designated area at the Domestic Arrivals Terminal B Kerbside. Bicycles will only be delivered against a baggage claim tag (Limited Release Tag). On collection of the bicycle the baggage claim tag must be presented together with your ID or Passport. No collection can be made without the baggage claim tag and for security measures the bicycle will not be released without proof of valid identification. Should a third party collect the bicycle on behalf of yourself, the person collecting the bicycle should be in possession of a copy of your ID or passport as well as his / her own, a letter of authority from yourself and the baggage claim tag.

Bicycles may only be collected between 06h00 and 20h00. Bicycles must be collected within 7 days of the tour.

Arrival - Durban International airport

Bicycles will be delivered at the Technical Hangar.

Bicycles will only be delivered against a baggage claim tag (Limited Release Tag). On collection of the bicycle, the baggage claim must be presented together with your ID or Passport. No collection can be made without the claim tag and for security measures the bicycle will not be released without proof of valid identification. Should a third party collect the bicycle on behalf of yourself, the person collecting the bicycle should be in possession of a copy of your ID or Passport as well as his / her own, a letter of authority from yourself and the baggage claim tag.

Normal handling procedures will apply - i.e. at check-in and delivery. However, you are kindly requested to check-in at least one hour and thirty minutes prior to departure of your flight.

International Passengers

International passengers must clear their bicycles at first port of entry and follow the process of the respective Domestic Airport as indicated above.

Where possible the bicycle will be carried on the same flight on which you are travelling.
It is advisable for cyclists to hand their bicycles in from 06 - 13 March 2010. Bicycles will be accepted only on presentation of a passenger air ticket and proof of payment. If the cyclist arrived prior to 06 March, they should check the bicycles in at the normal check-in facilities.

Please ensure that you obtain a baggage claim tag (Limited Release Tag) at time of presenting your bicycle to South African Airways. Kindly note that South African Airways accepts limited liability in accordance with its General Conditions of Carriage for Passengers and Baggage.

Important contact details

The following important telephone numbers are reflected for your information:

Baggage Enquiries

OR Tambo Int'l Airport

083 308 4078

Baggage Handling Officer

Cape Town Int'l Airport

(021) 936-2202

(021) 936-2850

Baggage Enquiries

Durban Int'I Airport

(031) 450-2217

(031) 451-6933

Passenger Services

Port Elizabeth

(041) 507-7227

Baggage Enquiries

East London

(043) 706-0216

Enjoy the tour!

SAA announces new CEO

JOHANNESBURG. 24 February 2010. South African Airways (SAA) today announced the appointment of Ms Siza Mzimela as its
new CEO.

Ms Mzimela will take up the position as new CEO of the airline from March and is the airline's very first female in this position.

As the new CEO of SAA she brings extensive airline experience to the company and previously filled senior positions in key areas at South African Airways.

We warmly welcome Ms Mzimela as the new CEO of SAA following an extensive and thorough process to find a suitable candidate for this position. In fact, we welcome her back to the SAA family.

"With her extensive experience in the airline industry, and especially her knowledge of the inner workings of SAA, she is the ideal candidate to fulfill the mandate of SAA to be an African airline with global reach," says Cheryl Carolus, SAA chairperson

Carolus also thanked the present Acting CEO, Mr Chris Smyth, for the outstanding work he has done over the past year.